China desalination tech makes fresh water cheaper than tap water – plus hydrogen – South China Morning Post

China’s Innovative Seawater Desalination Facility Advances Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction

China has inaugurated a groundbreaking facility in Rizhao, Shandong province, that produces fresh water from seawater at a cost of only two yuan (US$0.28) per cubic metre. This innovative plant simultaneously generates green hydrogen as a by-product, marking a significant advancement in global water and energy systems.

Facility Overview and Operation

• Location: Rizhao city, Shandong province, eastern China
• Power Source: Entirely powered by seawater and low-grade waste heat from adjacent steel and petrochemical plants
• Operational Duration: Continuous operation for over three weeks
• Output: High-purity hydrogen without requiring expensive desalination or freshwater resources

Production and Circular Economy Model

1. Seawater Processed: 800 tonnes annually
2. Fresh Water Output: 450 cubic metres (118,877 gallons) of ultra-pure fresh water suitable for industrial cooling and residential use
3. Green Hydrogen Output: 192,000 standard cubic metres
4. Mineral-Rich Brine: 350 tonnes for marine chemical production

This “one-in, three-out” model exemplifies a circular economy approach, maximizing resource efficiency and minimizing waste.

Energy Efficiency and Environmental Impact

• Energy Consumption: 4.2 kilowatts of electricity per cubic metre of hydrogen produced
• Hydrogen Utilization: Sufficient to power 100 buses for 3,840 km (2,386 miles) annually

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

• SDG 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation: The facility provides affordable, ultra-pure fresh water derived from seawater, addressing water scarcity and promoting sustainable water management.
• SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy: By generating green hydrogen using waste heat and seawater, the plant supports the transition to renewable energy sources and energy efficiency.
• SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure: The innovative integration of seawater desalination with green hydrogen production exemplifies sustainable industrial development and infrastructure advancement.
• SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production: The circular economy model reduces waste and promotes the sustainable use of marine resources.
• SDG 13 – Climate Action: The production of green hydrogen contributes to lowering carbon emissions by providing a clean alternative fuel.

Conclusion

This pioneering facility in Shandong province represents a major step forward in sustainable water and energy production. By leveraging seawater and industrial waste heat, it addresses critical global challenges related to water scarcity, clean energy, and environmental sustainability, thereby advancing multiple Sustainable Development Goals.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation – The article discusses a facility producing fresh water from seawater, addressing water scarcity and sustainable water management.
2. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy – The production of green hydrogen as a by-product highlights clean energy innovation and sustainable energy systems.
3. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – The breakthrough technology and circular economy model represent industrial innovation and infrastructure development.
4. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – The circular economy approach with “one-in, three-out” resource utilization supports sustainable consumption and production patterns.
5. SDG 13: Climate Action – The use of green hydrogen and renewable energy sources contributes to climate change mitigation.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs

1. SDG 6 Targets:
   • 6.1: Achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water.
   • 6.3: Improve water quality by reducing pollution and minimizing the release of hazardous chemicals.
2. SDG 7 Targets:
   • 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
   • 7.3: Double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency.
3. SDG 9 Targets:
   • 9.4: Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency.
   • 9.5: Enhance scientific research and upgrade technological capabilities of industrial sectors.
4. SDG 12 Targets:
   • 12.2: Achieve sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.
   • 12.5: Substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling, and reuse.
5. SDG 13 Targets:
   • 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. SDG 6 Indicators:
   • 6.1.1: Proportion of population using safely managed drinking water services – implied by production of ultra-pure fresh water for residential use.
   • 6.3.1: Proportion of wastewater safely treated – implied by the use of seawater and waste heat without freshwater depletion or pollution.
2. SDG 7 Indicators:
   • 7.2.1: Renewable energy share in the total final energy consumption – green hydrogen production powered by seawater and waste heat.
   • 7.3.1: Energy intensity measured in terms of primary energy and GDP – energy cost of 4.2 kWh per cubic metre of hydrogen produced.
3. SDG 9 Indicators:
   • 9.4.1: CO2 emission per unit of value added – implied by the use of low-grade waste heat and renewable inputs reducing emissions.
   • 9.5.1: Research and development expenditure as a proportion of GDP – implied by the innovative technology breakthrough.
4. SDG 12 Indicators:
   • 12.2.1: Material footprint, material footprint per capita, and material footprint per GDP – implied by the circular economy model “one-in, three-out”.
   • 12.5.1: National recycling rate, tons of material recycled – implied by reuse of brine for marine chemical production.
5. SDG 13 Indicators:
   • 13.2.2: Total greenhouse gas emissions per year – implied reduction due to green hydrogen replacing fossil fuels.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: scmp.com